Governor Larry Hogan Wednesday announced the beginning of the much anticipated Stage One of the ‘Maryland Strong: Roadmap to Recovery,’ which includes moving from a Stay at Home order to a Safer at Home public health advisory and the gradual reopenings of retail, manufacturing, houses of worship, and some personal services. It begins this Friday, March 15, at 5:00 p.m.
Stage One will be implemented with a flexible, community-based approach that empowers individual jurisdictions to make decisions regarding the timing of reopenings.
- Maryland Will Move From Stay At Home Order to *Safer At Home* Public Health Advisory
- County Leaders Empowered to Make Decisions on Timing of Stage One Re-openings
- Retail Stores May Reopen at 50 Percent Capacity, All Manufacturing May Resume Operations
- in a Safe Manner
- Religious Services May Resume with Appropriate Safety Protocols, Outdoor Services
- Strongly Encouraged
Businesses That May Open. As a result of the Order (but subject to any applicable Local Orders), the following is a non-exhaustive list of Retail Establishments that may re-open pursuant to paragraph III.b of the Order:
a. Animal adoption shelters.
b. Art galleries.
c. Bookstores.
d. Car washes.
e. Clothing and shoe stores.
f. Florists.
g. Furniture stores.
h. Jewelers.
i. Lawn and garden stores.
j. Pawn shops.
k. Pet groomers.
l. Sporting goods stores.
m. Tobacco and vape shops.
RETAIL AND PERSONAL SERVICES. Retail stores in Maryland may reopen with up to 50% capacity; manufacturing may resume operations; personal services (barber shops and hair salons) may reopen at up to 50% capacity and by appointment only.
Pet groomers, animal adoption shelters, car washes, and art galleries will also be able to begin reopening.
RELIGIOUS SERVICES. Churches and houses of worship may begin to safely hold religious services. Governor Hogan says outside services are strongly encouraged, but inside services may be permitted at 50% capacity or less with appropriate safety protocols.Religious leaders are strongly urged to do everything possible to keep their congregants safe, and particularly to protect the elderly and vulnerable within their congregations.
MANUFACTURING. Governor Hogan announced manufacturing may resume operations in a safe manner which protects the health of employees, with guidelines encouraging multiple shifts and other safety precautions.
‘BACK TO BUSINESS.’ Businesses that adopt all safety guidelines are encouraged to take a ‘Back to Business’ pledge.
SAFER AT HOME. Effective Friday, May 15, at 5:00 pm, Maryland will move from a Stay at Home order to a Safer at Home public health advisory. Marylanders, particularly older and more vulnerable Marylanders, are strongly advised to continue staying home as much as possible. Employers should continue to encourage telework for their employees when possible. Individuals who can work from home should continue to do so. Maryland citizens should continue wearing masks in indoor public areas, retail stores, and on public transportation. Additionally, Marylanders should continue practicing physical distancing, continue avoiding gatherings of more than 10 people, keep washing their hands often, and frequently sanitize high-touch areas.
At a news conference Wednesday, Governor Hogan said how Marylanders respond in having the restrictions lifted, and gradual business re-openings will determine how soon Stage Two of reopening the state happens.